Auto Theft & Break-Ins

Like most places, the city of Greenville is experiencing vehicle thefts and break-ins. In the United States, a vehicle is stolen every 21 seconds. Stolen cars, vans, trucks and motorcycles cost victims time and money and cause everyone’s insurance premiums to increase. Stolen vehicles are also often used to commit other crimes.

The Police Department is asking for your help in combating these criminals. Since many vehicle crimes result from criminals seeing opportunities and taking them, you can easily outsmart a car thief (PDF) by following the simple advice given by the Police Department. Remember, most car crimes can be prevented, so don't give criminals an easy ride.

Preventing Auto Break-Ins

Don't leave valuables in your car. This may sound like common sense, but drivers and/or passengers often leave items of value in plain view everyday.

If you must leave valuable items in your car while out and about, place them out of sight before reaching your destination or move them to an inconspicuous location.

If you can't take your valuables with you, at least lock the items out of sight, such as in your glove compartment or your trunk.

If your trunk can be opened from inside your car without a key, lock this feature if possible.

Leave no trace. Don't leave any sign that there are valuables out of sight in your vehicle, such as docking stations, connector cables or suctions cup marks on the windshield or dashboard.

If you have an after-market stereo player with a removable faceplate, remove it.

Try to park in busy, well-lighted areas.

Lock all your vehicle doors even if you plan to be gone only a brief time.

Set an alarm or antitheft device if you have one.

Never leave firearms in your parked vehicle. Be a responsible gun owner and keep your firearms properly safe and secured.

If you must leave a firearm in your vehicle, you should purchase a vehicle safe and have it professionally mounted within the vehicle. Locked glove compartments and center consoles offer little protection from a determined thief.

As a CWP holder, think ahead about your destination before leaving home. Would it be better to leave your carry pistol at home knowing your destination is a gun-free zone or establishment, rather than risk having it stolen when you have to leave it in your parked vehicle?